Ghana is facing a growing public health challenge, as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) now account for between 42% and 45% of all deaths, according to Health Minister Kwabena Mintah-Akandoh.
Speaking in an inteerview, the Minister described the surge in chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases as alarming, urging a national shift toward prevention and early detection.
He noted that Ghana’s health system is currently burdened by both infectious diseases and a rising tide of NCDs, stressing the need for urgent intervention to curb their impact.
As part of efforts to address the crisis, the government is rolling out free primary healthcare to improve access and promote early diagnosis. Citizens will be able to access services using basic identification such as a Ghana Card, passport, driver’s license, or NHIS card.
The Minister highlighted community-based screening as a key component of the strategy, with health workers expected to conduct simple checks in homes to detect conditions early and prevent complications.
He added that the initiative forms part of broader health reforms, including the “Mahama Cares” programme, which is designed to support patients with advanced conditions when prevention or early detection is not possible.
The government, he emphasized, aims to strengthen prevention, expand early diagnosis, and improve treatment outcomes in order to reverse the rising trend of NCD-related deaths.